Join Satyalila for another episode of the Buddhist Voices podcast as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with Suryaka about their journey of discovering and embracing Buddhism. This interview was originally conducted for the Fifty Years, Fifty Voices project. Suryaka's name is pronounced as "Su-ree-a-ka," meaning "Like the Sun."

Suryaka’s initial attraction to yoga and meditation retreats was that they seemed cheap and like a nice holiday! Having avoided any kind of religious practice throughout their life due to a fear of being confined and squished by religious institutions, she experienced a pivotal moment on retreat at Dhanakosa Retreat Centre in Scotland. Sitting by a stream she realized that Buddhism could perhaps provide the means she’d been looking for to channel their energy. This led them to the Manchester Buddhist Centre, where she found a genuine sense of community, shared work and authentic teachers who deeply resonated with their experience.

This journey was not without its challenges. Suryaka discusses openly the difficulties she encountered in forming a personal connection with a specific Buddha figure. She also touch upon difficulties experienced in training for ordination, especially mixed feelings encountered during the ordination retreat itself; as well as the strain it placed on their relationship with their family.

This moving episode offers an honest exploration of the Dharma life, navigating challenging emotions and the complexities of familial life, while trying to grapple with exactly what the Dharma truly entails. Suryaka's story exemplifies the strength that emerges from finding and following one's calling, even in teh face of adversity.

Francesca Martinez with Richard E. Grant